Teachers ‘mari-thon’ effort raises funds for charity

Teachers at Maricourt Catholic High School in Maghull held a ‘mari-thon’ event – running over 100km and raising over £2,000 in aid of the international development charity CAFOD’s Coronavirus Appeal.

Mr Ken McCabe, the chaplain of Maricourt, took up running in earnest as a result of lockdown when his wife suggested that he should aim to do a 10km run for charity, Ken was uncertain – he didn’t think he would even be able to run 5km!

However, some weeks later, CAFOD launched their coronavirus appeal and Ken saw an opportunity.

Ken said: “I sent out an email to staff in the school to see if anyone would be interested in doing a run or walk for CAFOD.

“In Maricourt, social justice is integral to our mission as a school – as students and staff, we have always been committed to caring for those in need in our local community and throughout the world, so I knew that I would get a response.”

Consequently, a number of staff joined together to form “Team Maricourt” and took up the challenge. As a result, the team walked and ran over 110km and has raised a staggering £2,200.

Ken said: “The staff really challenged themselves. We never expected to raise this much money, but people have been so generous.”

Mr Joseph Mangan, headteacher at Maricourt Catholic High School, said: “We are all really proud of the efforts of our colleagues and appreciative of the generosity of those who supported them. It’s an incredible amount raised for a very worthy cause.”

Siobhan Farnell, CAFOD’s local representative in Liverpool, said: “The efforts of the teachers and staff at Maricourt has been amazing. We know that they’re contribution will really make a bit difference to the lives of families who are struggling during this difficult time.”